Memory device for controlling and/or timing an operation to be performed on a work piece



N 1969 T. F. HENEBRY 3,475,987

MEMORY DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AND/OR TIMING AN OPERATION TO BE PERFORMED ON A WORK PIECE Filed April 25, 1968 iNVENTOR. Thomas F 1902 2 BY I A i 7% I77 TO -IVE) United States Patent f US. Cl. 74568 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is directed to essentially a mechanical memory device adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a machine having one or more work stations for timing and/or controlling a particular operation intended to be performed on a work piece as the work piece is successively moved from work-station to work-station. The memory device comprises a frame on which spaced sprocket wheels are rotatably journalled and over which an endless chain or the like is threaded. The chain comprises a series of links connected by freely displaceable pins having end portions adapted to extend to either side of the chain. An actuating means is disposed opposite the path of travel of the chain pins for effecting displacement of certain of the pins in a predetermined sequence. Downstream from the actuating means and in the direction of travel of the chain and the pins carried thereby is a sensing means for detecting the displacement of any such pin. The sensing means in turn is connected in circuit with the work station of a given machine to effect and/ or control the operation to be performed on the work piece thereat. Spaced from the sensing means is a means to automatically restore the displaced pin to its normal inoperative position.

The problem Heretofore many efforts have been made to utilize in conjunction with a machine having one or more workstations a device for controlling and/ or timing the specific operations to be performed on the work piece as it is advanced from work-station to work-station of a given machine. Generally such controls consisted of highly complex electronic computer components which were difficult to operate and maintain. In addition, such computer components were costly to manufacture and/or install.

The objects It is an object of this invention to provide a mechanical memory or control device which is relatively simple in construction, positive in operation, and which can be readily applied to existing machines for performing one or more operations on a given work piece.

Another object is to provide a mechanical memory or control device which is structurally limited to any shape or configuration, and which is sufficiently flexible to satisfy various space requirements.

Another object is to provide a mechanical memory device which can be either manually of automatically operated.

Another object is to provide a mechanical memory device which can be duplexed or multiplexed in any suitable dimension and/ or configuration.

Summary of the invention The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a memory device comprising a frame or bracket on which there are rotatably journalled in space relationship at least two or more pulleys or sprocket wheels about which there is threaded 3,475,987 Patented Nov. 4, 1969 ice an endless flexible belt, chain or the like. A plurality of displaceable pins are carried at spaced intervals along the belt or chain to move therewith. The pins are preferably formed with a length suflicient for their respective end portions to extend to either side of the chain or belt, and are mounted thereon for movement between a neutral or centralized position and an extended position to one side of the chain or belt. Disposed in the path of travel of the chain or belt is an actuating means which is connected in circuit with a trip switch or the like which when energized by the movement of the work piece and/ or other suitable stimuli will cause the actuation thereof to effect the displacement of a pin moving thereby at the instance of actuation. Downstream from the actuating means there is provided a sensing means to detect any pin so displaced. The sensing means in turn is operatively connected in circuit with the operating mechanism of the machine to be controlled thereby. As the sensing means detects a displaced pin, the operation of the machine governed thereby causes the given operation to be performed on the work piece as it moves into the given work-station. Thereafter a means is provided to automatically return the displaced pin to its neutral or centralized position. Accordingly continual, uninterrupted travel of the chain or belt causes the cycle of the controlled machine to be repeated in accordance with a predetermined program.

Features A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a memory chain carrying a plurality of displaceable pins through any irregular path of travel not heretofore possible by any known control or memory device.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of the relative simplicity of the control device and the ease with which it can be adapted to existing equipment or machinery with a minimum of expense and/or eflort.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision wherein the control device can be readily adapted for use to control any number of operations in any desired sequence in a positive and reliable manner.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the memory device of the present invention having portions thereof broken away.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the memory device of FIG. 1, with portions broken away.

In the drawing there is illustrated the memory or control device 10 to which the present invention relates. The memory device of FIGS. 1 and 2 is readily adapted for use with any machine (not shown) adapted to perform one or more operations on a given work piece, as a Work piece is conveyed from work-station to work-station of the given machine. In accordance with this invention the memory device 10, to be herein described, may be connected directly to a machine to be controlled thereby, or optionally may be remotely disposed with respect to the given machine which it is intended to control and/ or time.

In the illustrated form of the invention the memory device 10 comprises a frame 11 which includes spaced track plates 12-12 to which there is connected at the opposed ends, a track block 13. Connected to the respective track blocks 13 are upper and lower bearing brackets 14-15. Rotatably journalled between the side flanges 14A, 15A of each upper and lower bearing bracket 14, 15, in suitable bearings 16, is a shaft 17, 18 on which a pulley or sprocket wheel 19 and 20 is journalled, respectively. In accordance with this invention an endless chain 21 is threaded over the respective upper and lower sprocket wheels 19, 20.

In the illustrated embodiment the chain 21 comprises a plurality of links 21A interconnected to one another by means of displaceable pins 22. Each link 21A comprises a pair of opposed side plates 23, 24 between which a roller or bushing 25 is disposed; and wherein the side plates of adjacent links are arranged to overlap as illustrated.

In the illustrated form of the invention the opposed side plates 23, 24 of each link are laterally oifset whereby the inset end portion of the link plates are disposed between the outwardly ofiset portion of the link plates of the next adjacent link. Between the inwardly offset portion of the successive links 21A there is disposed the roller or bushing 25 which is disposed in alignment with apertures 26 formed in the ends of the respective link plate. The respective links 21A are connected into end-to-end relationship by means of a displaceable pin 22 which extends through the aligned apertures 26 and roller or bushing 25 disposed in alignment therewith. The respective pins 22 are provided with a length which is substantially greater than the width of the links 21A, the arrangement being such that the displaceable pins 22 are free to extend to either side of the link as illustrated.

It will be noted that the track plates 12--12 are provided with a width substantially equal to the space between pins 22 in the opposed flights of the chain 21 so that the edges 12A of the track plate form a track for guiding the extended ends of the pins 22 therealong as the sprocket wheel rotates to drive the chain.

In the illustrated form of the invention the chain 21 is driven by a drive means connected in driving relationship to the shaft 18 about which pulley or sprocket wheel 20 is journalled. The drive of the memory device may be taken off the drive of the machine to be controlled thereby. It will be understood that the drive connection between the machine (not shown) and the memory device 10 may comprise any suitable drive connection. For example, a flexible chain or belt drive 27 may be connected in direct driving relationship to the main shaft 28 of the machine to be controlled thereby. As shown, sprockets 29 and 30 connected to shafts 18 and 28 are connected by a flexible drive chain 27. In lieu thereof any suitable transmission device connected between shaft 18 and the drive 28 of the machine may be used. For an understanding of the invention it is not deemed necessary to further describe the drive connection between the machine (not shown) to be operated and the memory device 10 controlling and/or timing the operation thereof.

An actuating means 31 in the form of a solenoid, piston, or other suitable means for effecting displacement of the pins 22 in a predetermined sequence or timed relationship to the operation of the machine, is connected on the frame 11. The plunger 32 of the actuating means is disposed in the path of travel of the chain and the pins carried thereby.

In the illustrated form of the invention the actuator 31 comprises a solenoid having a suitable actuating coil 31A connected in circuit to a trip switch (not shown) located on the machine to be controlled by the memory device. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that as the work piece is conveyed from one work-station to another on the machine to be controlled, past a predetermined point at which there is positioned a trip switch, that the actuation of such trip switch will cause the solenoid 31 to be energized thereby causing the kicker or plunger 32 of the solenoid to be actuated to an extended position in the direction of the pin 22 disposed opposite thereto at the instant of actuation. In doing so the pin 22 opposite the plunger 32, the instant the solenoid is actuated, is displaced or extended to the right as viewed in FIG. 2. The displaced pin 22 is thus disposed out of alignment with respect to the other pins of the chain. To prevent sideways displacement of the chain 21 due to the thrust of the solenoid when actuated and to insure proper extension of the displaced pin, a resisting block 33 is disposed on the track plate 12 opposite the solenoid 31.

4 The block 33 as seen in FIG. 1 is extended slightly beyond the edge 12A of the track plate 12 to form a stop to limit any lateral movement of the chain which may be occasioned by the side thrust of the solenoid.

Positioned downstream from actuating means or solenoid 31 there is provided a sensing means 34 for detecting any displaced or extended pin 22. In the illustrated form of the invention the sensing means 34 comprises a micro-switch 34A having a feeler 35 extending therefrom so as to be disposed in the path of travel of any pin 22 which has been extended by the actuating means. Connected to the track plate 12 opposite the end of the feeler 35 of the sensing means 34 there is a block or stop 36 to resist any outward displacement of the extended pin 22 as it passes the feeler 35 of the sensing switch 34. As the extended pin 22 approaches the sensing means, the travel of the chain is such that the extended pins 22 are caused to pass between the end of the feeler 35 and the block 36. In this manner positive engagement of the extended pin 22 against the feeler 35 is insured. It will be understood that the sensing device 34 in turn is connected in circuit to the work-station of the machine to be controlled, and that the given machine operation is thereby controlled by the actuation of the sensing means 34.

Downstream from the sensing device 34 there is located a means in the form of a cam 37 having an incline surface 37A against which the extended pin 22 will engage as the extended pin 22 passes the sensing device 34. The arrangement is such that the inclined surface 37A of the cam 37 will automatically return the extended pin 22 to its neutral or centralized position as the pin rides thereby. T o resist the chain against sideways movement imposed by the thrust of the cam 37 actuating on the displaceable pin, another stop or block 38 is disposed opposite the cam 37.

It will be understood that the chain being driven in timed sequence to the drive of the machine to be controlled thereby is utilized to time and/or control the operation of the machine at the various work-stations on a Work piece being conveyed from station to station. In accordance with this invenion one or more actuating devices 31 may be disposed along the frame of the memory device so that a series of operations or controls may be controlled from a single chain. Also it will be readily understood that the specific configuration or travel of the chain of the memory device may assume any desired shape or configuration, rendering the same compatible with any space limitations. Also it will be noted that the memory device 10 herein described can be readily duplexed and/ or multiplexed with a minimum of ease. The memory device 10 herein described is relatively simple in construction, and positive in operation. It can be connected directly to the machine to be controlled thereby, or it may be remotely disposed relative to the machine it is to control. The timing of the memory device 10 is such that it can positively control and/or time one or more operations of a given machine in any predetermined sequence.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, in another form of the invention not illustrated a flexible timing belt of rubber or the like may be threaded over a pulley instead of sprocket wheels; and the pin may be carried in appropriate openings extending in the thickness of the belt. In such embodiment the pin may or may not be normally extended to one side of the belt, depending on the width of a given belt, which pins are extended to one side of the belt when the plunger or solenoid is actuated as hereinbefore described.

What is claimed is:

1. A memory device comprising:

a frame,

rotatable means journalled on said frame in spaced relationship,

an endless flexible means threaded over said rotatable means,

means for efiecting the drive of said rotatable means for driving said endless flexible means therearound,

a plurality of displaceable pins carried at spaced intervals along said flexible means to move therewith about said rotatable means,

actuating means disposed adjacent said endless flexible means to engage a given pin to effect the displacement of said pin when said actuating means is rendered operative,

a sensing means disposed downstream from said actuating means in the direction of travel of said flexible means to sense the displaced pin,

and a neutralizing means disposed downstream of said sensing means in the direction of travel to effect the return of said displaced pin to its normal inoperative position.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotatable means comprises:

at least a pair of sprocket wheels, and means for rotatably supporting each of said sprocket wheels in spaced relation on said frame,

each of said sprocket wheels having a plurality of cogs spaced about the periphery thereof,

and said endless flexible means including an endless chain threaded about the cogs of said sprocket wheels.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said chain comprises:

a plurality of connected links,

each link including a pair of link plates having aligned apertures adjacent the respective ends thereof,

a roller disposed between said link plates in alignment with said apertures, and

said displaced pins extending through said aligned apertures and said roller disposed therebetween,

said pin being adapted to connect the ends of adjacent links, and

said pin having its length greater than the width of said links so that its end portions extend outwardly to either side of said link plates whereby it can be displaced from its neutral position to either side of said chain.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said actuating means includes:

a solenoid disposed adjacent said chain whereby said solenoid when actuated will engage the end of an adjacent pin to effect the displacement thereof.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said sensing means comprises:

a micro-switch having a feeler arm arranged to engage the displaced pin.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 and including back-up block disposed opposite said feeler arm to positively effect the sensing of said displaced pin by said sensing means.

7. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including a block disposed adjacent the chain links opposite said solenoid to prohibit sideways displacement of the chain due to the thrust of said solenoid when actuated.

8. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said pin neutralizing means comprises a cam having an inclined plane disposed in the path of travel of said pins to restore any displaced pin to its neutral position.

9. A mechanical memory device to effect remote control timing of one or more operations to be performed upon a work piece as it is being moved automatically from work station to work station comprising:

a frame,

at least a pair of sprocket wheels rotatably journalled on said frame in spaced relationship,

an endless chain threaded over said sprocket,

said chain including a plurality of connected links,

each link including a pair of spaced apart link plates,

each of said pairs of spaced link plates having an aligned aperture,

a roller disposed between said aligned apertures in alignment therewith,

a displaceable pin extended through said roller and aligned apertures for securing the adjacent ends of successive links together,

said pin having a length greater than the width of said links so that the ends of said pin extend to either side of said links,

means for effecting the drive of at least one of said sprockets, whereby said drive means is adapted to be driven off the drive of a machine operating on said work piece in predetermined timed relationship therewith,

an actuating means including a solenoid connected in circuit with the work stations of said machine,

said solenoid being disposed adjacent said chain to effeet displacement of one of said pins to one side of said chain when said solenoid is actuated,

means acting on said chain to resist the thrust of said solenoid when actuated,

a sensing means disposed downstream of said solenoid in the direction of travel of said chain for detecting the displaced pin,

said sensing means being adapted to be connected in circuit with a work station adapted to operate on the work piece,

means opposite said sensing means to effect positive sensing of said displaced pin,

and a neutralizing means disposed downstream from said sensing means in the direction of travel of said chain to effect displacement of said displaced pin to its neutral position,

said neutralizing means including a cam having an inclined surface disposed in the path of said pins.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein each pair of spaced apart link plates of said links is offset intermediate the ends thereof to define an inwardly offset end portion and an outwardly offset end portion so that the inwardly offset end portion of one link may be disposed between the outwardly offset end portion of the adjacent link.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 874,074 12/1907 Houseman 74568 XR 1,953,388 4/1934 Bettin 74-250 2,032,037 2/1936 Auth ZOO-153.13 XR 3,261,211 7/1966 Frank 741 3,338,104 8/1967 Drain 74568 XR FRED C. MATTERN, JR., Primary Examiner F D. SHOEMAKER, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 74--251 

